Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Compact

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Overview:
Jerusalem, often referred to as the "City of David" and the "Holy City," holds a central place in biblical history and theology. It is the capital of ancient Israel and Judah and is considered a sacred city in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its significance is deeply rooted in its role as the site of the Temple, the center of Jewish worship, and its association with key events in the life of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Significance:
Jerusalem is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 14:18, where Melchizedek, king of Salem, brings out bread and wine to Abram. The city becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel when King David captures it from the Jebusites and establishes it as his capital (2 Samuel 5:6-9). David's son, Solomon, builds the First Temple there, making it the focal point of Jewish worship (1 Kings 6).

The city is frequently mentioned in the Psalms, often as a symbol of God's presence and blessing. Psalm 122:6-7 exhorts believers to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you prosper. May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses.'"

Prophetic Role:
Jerusalem is central to biblical prophecy. The prophets often speak of its destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness, as seen in Jeremiah 25:9-11. However, they also foretell its restoration and future glory. Isaiah 2:2-3 envisions a time when "the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains... and all nations will stream to it."

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, Jerusalem is the setting for many pivotal events in the life of Jesus. It is where He is presented at the Temple as a child (Luke 2:22-38), where He teaches and performs miracles, and where He enters triumphantly before His crucifixion (Matthew 21:1-11). The Last Supper, His trial, crucifixion, and resurrection all occur in or near Jerusalem.

The early Church is born in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit descends on the apostles during Pentecost. The city remains a central hub for the apostles and early Christians.

Eschatological Importance:
Jerusalem holds a significant place in eschatological teachings. Revelation 21:2 describes the New Jerusalem, "coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This vision underscores the city's ultimate redemption and its role in God's eternal plan.

Cultural and Religious Impact:
Throughout history, Jerusalem has been a focal point of religious devotion and conflict. Its sacred status continues to draw pilgrims from around the world. The city's complex history and its role in biblical prophecy make it a subject of ongoing theological reflection and anticipation.

Conclusion:
Jerusalem's enduring significance in the biblical narrative and its prophetic future make it a city of profound spiritual importance. Its history and destiny are intricately woven into the fabric of God's redemptive plan as revealed in Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 122:3
Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Conservative Reaction, and the Liberal victory --
... would have been in direct opposition to the synodical decree, but they no doubt
reminded Peter of the understanding of the Jerusalem compact concerning the ...
/.../section 35 the conservative reaction.htm

Christianity in Rome.
... Paul and Peter, if they met together in Rome (after 63), would naturally, in accordance
with the Jerusalem compact, divide the field of supervision between ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 36 christianity in rome.htm

Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies
... [Ps.149:2]. The sons of Jerusalem are the same as above. ... The agreement is a compact
of divine grace with man; in the psalm: I did not see them obeying the pact. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book ix on jerusalem and.htm

The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ...
... years, since James reminded Paul of them on his last visit to Jerusalem in 58. ... [459]
Without them the churches in Judaea would not have agreed to the compact. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 34 the synod of.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... and stops, in her journeying from Egypt to Canaan, from Babylon to this Jerusalem
state. ... her frame and strength, I say, as she is a city compact together: as ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Apostolic Labors of John.
... Jerusalem was approaching its downfall; Rome was not yet a second Jerusalem. ... complete
the work of Paul and Peter, and give the church that compact unity which ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 42 apostolic labors of.htm

The Threefold Unity
... in the existing organisations of the Church, and we are tempted to postpone its
coming to the day of the new Jerusalem which is compact together; but the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the threefold unity.htm

The Manner in which Apollonius Refuted the Phrygians, and the ...
... who would speedily descend, and set up his kingdom in this new Jerusalem. ... appointment
of economic officers and the formation of a compact organization were a ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xviii the manner in which.htm

A Reformer's Schooling
... Communication between Shushan and Jerusalem cannot have been so infrequent that
the ... He has bound Himself in solemn, irrefragable compact, to a certain line of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a reformers schooling.htm

Means Employed by the Enemies of Jesus for Carrying Out their ...
... at the house of Caiphas as soon as the treacherous compact with Judas was ... and as
the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians were congregated in Jerusalem from all ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter iv means employed by.htm